Video: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Mercedes tried to float that term a few years ago with the CLS. Most consumers still know coupes to have two doors, and so we're just gonna call this an interesting looking sedan. Now, like its name suggests the Passat CC is based on the Passat, but it's a little more upscale. So you've got things like a little bit wider, longer frame, a little bit lower ride height, and a ride that's tuned for a little bit sportier handling. There's also chrome along the sides, and along the windowsills, and much bigger wheels. And inside the sweeping roof line actually delivers a little bit more interior room than you'd expect. This is definitely an upscale Volkswagen. You've got things like little chrome runners along the steering wheel controls, and even the window buttons. You've also got things like nice metallic surfaces along the center stack, these nice, very well damped felt line storage trays above the navigation system. And there's still a lot of that Volkswagen usability. The center arm rest, like another VWs, ratchets up. So you can have it here, if that's the way you prefer to drive, we like that. A couple things we're not sold on yet. The quality of the leather seats is interesting. It's got these sort of crosswise stitching. It's almost a little bit too well cushioned. You may like it or hate it. Another thing is the center controls are also different for Volkswagen. A lot of the buttons still wiggle around a lot more than you'd like, especially in a luxury car like this. Now, a car with a sweeping roof line like this, often sacrifices rear headroom. And in fact, you have to duck your head a little bit to get in. Once you're in, I've got enough room up here, and I can actually lean back and be comfortable. A couple of other things we like, the center pass through here comes all the way open. (pass through clicks) And it's just absolutely huge. You could probably fit two or three pairs of skis through there. And if you need more than the center pass through the seats actually fold down in a traditional 60/40 split. Again, not something you'd find in a lot of luxury cars, but something we liked, very nice. Now when the Passat CC comes out this fall, they'll probably cost somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000, and maybe go up well beyond $40,000. Obviously, we haven't driven it yet, but we're very entertained by the regular Passat, so we like this car's chances. <v Announcer>For additional information on this car, or any other, go to cars.com and our blog KickingTires.